Warning out vs 'Pink Facebook' rogue app

Facebook users were warned Tuesday against a so-called "Pink Facebook" rogue app that promises to turn the color of the Facebook logo from blue to pink.

 

Computer security firm Sophos said it has also received information the scam is circulating in the social networking site in English and in Spanish.

 

"AWESOME!!! HELLO PINK FACEBOOK!!! and Goodbye BLUE FACEBook! Switch Your Facebook to 5 Different colors and themes here," Sophos quoted the scam message as saying.

 

It said a variation of the scam claims to allow Facebook users to "select from 5 different color themes and change the old blue Facebook!"

 

But it said those visiting one of the links purporting to give access to a different Facebook color scheme will find a webpage asking them to "verify."

 

"On this occasion, the scammers want you to grant permission for a rogue application to access your profile, and post messages on your behalf," it said.

 

"With a rogue application in place, the scammers will be able to use your Facebook profile as a launchpad for spreading their message even further. And they want to spread it far and wide because it leads ultimately to an online survey that earns commission for the bad guys," it added.

 

Sophos said the scam threatens to have thousands of people give a third-party application complete access to their Facebook page.

 

"That means they can later use your Facebook account to post spam messages, distribute other money-making scams, steal your personal information, and post in your name," it said.

 

Sophos advised victims to remove any posts made by the apps, before their Facebook friends also fall for them, and revoke the app's permission to access their Facebook profile. — TJD, GMA News